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V. J. GOETZ; SWITCH STAND.

No. 463,038. 'Patented Nov. 1o, 181911.

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V. J. GOEFI'Z. SWITCH STAND.`

No, 463,038. Patented Nov. 10, 1891.

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V. J. GOB-TZ. SWITCH STAND.

No. 463,038. Patented Nov. 10; 1891.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VICTOR J. GOETZ, OF HILLBURN, NEv YORK, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO IV. O. KIDD AND J. B. S'UFFER, OF SAME PLACE.

SWITCH SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 463,038, dated November 10, 1891.

Application led April 21, 1891.

To a/'ZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, VICTOR J. GOETZ, a citizen of I-lillburn, in the county of Rockland and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Switch- Stands; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled 1n the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in switches, the object of the invention being to produce an improved three -throw switchstand by means of which either switch may loe thrown independently of the other or both switches thrown automatically and simultaneously by the wheels of a train.

A further object is to produce a switchstand for the purposes stated which shall be simple in construction, easy to manipulate, and eifectual in the performance of its functions.

With these objects in view the invention consists in the combination, with a switchstand and switch-operating rods, of an engaging device held normally ont of engagement with both rods and means for locking one of said operating-rods with the engaging device independently of the other and moving said operating-rod to throw the switch.

The invention also consists in the combination, with a switch-stand and switch-operating-rods, each adapted to be connected with a switch, of engaging devices adapted to be held normally out of engagement with the operating-rods and permit both of said rods to be moved automatically and simultaneously and means for locking said engaging device with either operating-rod to throw either switch independently of the other.

The invention also consists in the combination, with a switch-stand and two switch-operating rods, of yielding devices so connected with said operatingrods that when both switchesA are thrown the iianges of a wheel will operate to force them back a portion of their throw and said yielding devices complete the throw of said operating-rods.

rIhe invention also consists in the combination, with a switch-stand and two switch-operating rods, of yielding devices connected Serial No. 389,797. (No model.)

with said operating-rods, so that when both switches are thrown the iianges of a wheel will operate to force them back a portion of their throw and the yielding devices com- 51; plete the throw of said operating devices, an engaging device held normally out of locked engagement with both of said rods, and means for locking said engaging devices with either of said operating-rods independently of the 6c other and throwing said operating-rod independently of the yielding device; and the invention also consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations and arrangements of parts, asA hereinafter set forth, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view ofmyinvention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the same. Fig. 3` is an elevation and sectional View of the engaging de- 7o vice. Fig. 4 is a view on the line x :c of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 illustrates a side'elevation of the base of the stand and bearings thereon. Fig. 6 is a face view of the operating-lever. Fig. 7 is an edge view of the same. Fig. S is an 75 end view of the same. Fig. 9 is a separate View of one of the operating-rods. Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 illustrate the construction and arrangement of a target to be used in connection with my improved switch-stand.

A represents the base-plate of the stand, which is so formed as to produce a depression a at its center. Located in the depression a are two castings B B', each casting being made to produce annular bearings O O', and 85 with recesses c in rear of said bearings to serve as guides for the switch -operating rods D, which latter are adapted to normally rest in notches d in the bearings, fora purpose hereinafter explained. Cylinders or seats E are 9o cast with or located on .the base-plate A and are adapted to receive coiled springs e. Inserted in each cylinder E and adapted to nrmally rest against the spring e is a block e', having a socket therein to receive the 95 spherical end of a link e2. The other ends of the links e2 are also made spherical and inserted in sockets e3 in the switch-operating rods D. Thus it will be seen that the links c2 are connected with the operating-rods D 10o and blocks e by balland-socket joints, so that said links may have a horizontal movement when the operating-rods D are forced rearwardly automatically by the engagement of the car-wheels with the switches attached to said rods, orso that they can move in the arc of a circle without compressing the springs when the device is operated by hand, as explained further on.`

Mounted in the bearings C C is a hub or engaging device F, adapted to have a sliding movement in said bearings. The hub F is provided at diametricall y opposite points with elongated slots f for the reception of pins f on the switch-operating levers D, and in proximity to the ends of these elongated slots sockets or perforations]L12 are vmade in the hub for the reception of the contracted ends f? of the pins f when the hub is moved toward one or the other of said operating-rods D. The hub Fis also provided with an opening or perforation f4, extending through it from end to end,for the reception ot' an eccentric g, made on the operating-lever G. The lever G at each end of the eccentric is preferably contracted somewhat to produce bearings g g2, adapted to enter the space g4 between the bearings C C. The operating-lever G is provided with wings 7L, of a thickness equal to the bearings g gf2 and adapted to pass through the space g4 between the bearings O C when the stand is being operated by hand, and when the lever is in its normal position these wings h of the lever are adapted to enter notches h in the bearings C C', and thus maintain the hub normally out of locked engagement with either of the pins ot` the switch-operating levers. Thus it will be seen that said fiat portion ot' the lever will prevent said lever from releasing the connections during its travel to its destination, because the dat portions of wings h of the operating-lever, not being able to turn in the opening between the bearings C C', assure in this manner the fullthrow of the operating-lever. The lever can only'be replaced toits normal position when it has arrived at the notches or grooves h in the bearings, so that if anything be between the stock-rail and the switch-points the lever cannot be replaced or locked. The free end of the lever G is provided with an elongated slot t', and adapted to embrace the free end ot' said lever Gisthebit'urcated end of abar I ,said bar being pivotally connected with the lever by means of a pin t2, passing through the bifurcated end of the bar and the elongated slot 'i of the lever G. The bar I is provided in proximity to its free end with a slot i3, adapted to receive a lock-eye it, and when in this position and locked by an ordinary padlock the free end of said bar I will enter the space g4 between the bearings C C', and thus lock the lever G and prevent its being turned by an unauthorized party. It will be seen that when the lever G is thrown from one side of the switch-stand to the other the lock-eye t4 will be on the under side of said lever, and to remedy this and make it convenient for the switchman to readily lock the bar I another lock-eye i4 is located on the outer face ot' the lever, as shown in Fig. 6.

The switch-operating rod D being connected with the switches in an obvious manner,

and it is desired to throw one of the switchesV by hand, the devices would be operated as' follows: The bar t4 would be first released and then the operating-lever G turned in one direction or the other, according to the switch which it is desired to throw. When the lever is thus turned, the eccentric g will operate to slide the hub F and cause the contracted end ot` one of the pins on the operating-rod D to enter one of the sockets or perforations f2 in the hub. During the turning of the lever G (which is about one-fourth revolution) the wings 'or widened portion It will align with the space g4 between the bearings C C. The parts being in these positions,` the lever G is thrown to the other side of the stand, whereupon the operating-rod D, locked with the hub, will be thrown forward. When the hub F is moved as above explained to lock it with the pin ot the rod D, said rod will be forced out of the notch CZ, so that during the outward movement of the rod D the link ezwill be permitted to move in the arc of a circle without compressing the spring e. Should it happen that both switches be thrown to the siding at the same time, the switch-stand being in its normal position, the wheels of atrain passing off the siding would operate to force both switches a portion of their throw. The switchoperating rods being in the notches d in the bearings C C and the hub F being in its normal position and out of locked engagement with the rods D, said rods will be permitted to slide forwardly by the movement of the switches by the car-wheels, thus compressing the springs c until the links e2 are slightly past the axes of said springs, whereupon said springs. will be permitted to expand and complete the throw of the rods D, and thus open both switches.

It will be seen from the above description that when the device is operated by hand the operating-lever G will be thrown from one side to the other and effectually locked at either side of the stand and that either switch may be operated by hand independently of the other, If desired, a seriesof rollerst may be journaled in the bearings C C', on which the switch-operating rods D may run. It is evident that the stand may be used also as a singlethrow device by merely removing one moving rod, spring, and connection-in fact, removing one-half of the stand-the main features remaining the same. rlhe shaft of a target with such construction of stand would lilo be provided with a crank-arm attached to the switch by a suitable rod.

To provide a target for my improved threethrow switch, a stand l is located, preferably, at the opposite side of the track from the switch-stand andis provided with a socket or recess 2 in its base. Rods 3 4 connect with switches 5 6 and are adapted to enter the stand 1 and are pivotally connected to a cross-bar 9,'to which is also attached a pin 7, which enters recess 2 in the stand to prevent any other than lateral or rotary movementof the pin 7. In the center of the cross-bar 9 is a pin 10, made with a shoulder to enteran open link 1l, said shoulder being adapted to prevent the displacement oi' the pin. Secured to and projecting upwardly from the link 11 is a target-shaft 12, to the upper end of which the target 13 is secured. Vhen the switch is set for a siding, the connections will be in the position as shown in the drawings, with the bar 9 in a horizontal position and the target 13 pointed to dangen Should the switch to which the rod et is connected be closed, arranging the switch-points for the main line, the target will make a quarter-turn and indicate safety, the bar 9 being held in position by pin 7 from moving laterally by the rod 3 and to the side by the recess 2 in thel stand. Bar 9 must take position as shown in dotted lines, and piu 10 moving with pin 7 as a center, describing` an arc ot a circle and coming to the position, as at X, carrying link 11 at right angles to its original position. If the other bar 3 be now 1noved,setting the opposite switch for the siding, cross-bar 9 will move in exactly the same position as originally, only exactly as far below center of spindle 12 as it was above spindle originally, and thus setting target again at dangen In this case, the same as it was in the iirst instance, both points of the switches are on lone side, and if` they beboth moved automatically at the same4 time pin 10 will slide in link 11 without turning target-shaft, thus leaving target at danger and bar 9 will remain in exactly the same position rclatively to the other parts as originally. It the switches be both moved automatically back again, the action will be the same, the pin 10 sliding the entire length of the link 11 without turning the target. Thus the target 13 will always indicate safety for the main line and always indicate danger7 when the switches are to either side.

Having fully described my invention,what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The combination, with a switch-stand and switch-operating rods, of a hub or engaging device held normally out of engagement with both rods and means for locking either of saidrods with the engaging device or hub independently of the other and moving said operating-rod to throw the switch, substantiall y as set forth.

2. The combination, with a switch-stand and switch-operating rods, of a hub or engaging device held normally out of engagement' with the switch-operating rods, means for locking said hub in its normal position, and means for moving said hub and locking it with either of the switch-operating rods independently of the other and rotating said hub to operate the switch-rods, substantially as set forth.

Vand two switch-operating rods, of yielding devices and links connected with said yielding devices and operating-rods, so that when both switches are thrown the iianges of a wheelv will operate to force them back a portion of their throw and said yielding devices com-4 plete the throw ot said switches, substantially as set forth.

5, The combination, with a switch-stand. and two switch-operating rods, of yielding devices connected with said operating-rods, so that when both switches are thrown the iianges of the wheels will operate to force them back a portion of their throw and the yielding devices complete the throw of said levers, an engaging device held normally out of engagement with both of said rods, and means for locking the engaging device with either of the operating-rods independently of the other and throwing said operating-rod independently of the yielding device, substantially as set forth.

G. In a switch-stand, the combination, with a hub having an elongated slot therein, of an operating-rod adapted to be connected to a switch, a pin projecting from the operatingrod into the elongated slot in the hub, a

spring, and a link connecting the operating` rod' with the spring, substantially as set forth.

7. In a switch-stand, the combination, with a hub having an elongated slot and sockets therein, of a switch-operating rod, a pin projecting from said operating-rod into the elongated :slot in the hub, and means for moving said hub to cause said pin to engage one of the sockets in the hub and to rotate said hub to throw the switch, substantially as set forth.

8. rlhe combination, with a switch-stand and a hub revolubly mounted therein, having elongated slots and sockets at diametrically-opposite points, of switch-operating rods, pins projecting from said rods into the elongated slots in the hub, an operating-lever having an eccentric thereon adapted `to enter said hub and adapted to slide the same to cause it to engage one or the other ot' the pins on the operating-rods, and means for locking said operating-lever, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination, with a switch'stand, of a hub mounted thereon, operating-rods, pins projecting from said operating-rods, an oper-" ating-lever, and an eccentric carried by said operating-lever and adapted to enter the hub whereby to move said hub in one direction or the other to engage one or the other of the IOO pins on the operating-rods and to rotate said hub to throw the switch, substantially as set forth.

10. The combination, with the base of a switch-stand, of bearings located thereon and spaced apart, said bearings having` notches on their inner edges, a huh mounted in said bearings and adapted to rotate and also to have a sliding movement, an operating-lever adapted to extend through said hnband having bearings between the bearings on the base of the stand, and an eccentric on the lever for sliding the hub to cause it to engage the. pin on one or the other of the switch-operating rods, substantially as set forth.

l1. The combination, With the base of al switch-stand, of bearings located thereon, hav- ,ing notches in their outer faces, switch-operating rods adapted to enter said notches, springs located on the stand, links connecting said rods and springs, a hub mounted in said bearings and having elongated slots and sockets at diametrically-opposite points, pins on the switch-rods to enter said slots, and means connected With the huh for causing' it' to engage the piu of one ofthe switch-rods and freeing` said rod from the notch in the bearingr and also rotating" said huh to throw the switch,- substantially as set forth.

l2. In a switch-stand,thecombination,with a revoluble hub and switch-rods, of an operating-lever for locking said hub with one of the switch-rods and operating` said hub to throw the switch, and a bar pivotally connected to the operating-lever and adapted to be locked to either side of the lever, the free end of said har being adapted to enter Xed projections on the stand, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of tWo subscribing Witnesses.

, VICTOR tLGOETZ.

XVitneSSes:

PETER B. MCGREGER, DAVID D. CUMMING. 

